Sloppy Link - Where does the FO or SFO sit in a Single Pilot aircraft??

Bering, did you read the links or just pick out what you wanted to see?

SP, nice find ...
The true test of a police pilot, should he go that way, is once in a while getting through a whole set of shifts without making a brew :ok:
(1 more night to go :E )

Not all AA are single pilot.....although, I accept that the conversation at the moment is referring to Norfolk where that operation is solo. He goes pro tem (whoops, I meant for the time being) to a two crew operation and then goes to Norfolk. Solutions, not problems.

What if the worst should happen? Commercial helo ops aren't exactly up there with the most risk averse professions. How does it fit with our future King's life in the hands of a commerical operation as opposed to the military?

Not saying that standards are necessarily any different but, as we know, things happen from time to time. I'm not sure this has been thought through fully by the establishment.

(Post 41, 45)

Only time will prove who was right when I said. "Temporary solutions end up as permanent problems in this business" or will it just open up another can of worm for somebody else to come up with another bunch of solutions that generally never solve the problem!

Albeit, (is conjunction allowed)? Whatever he ends up doing I wish him and his very 'cheeky' lady well.

Split the difference and use his experience and let him fly with the Coast Guard - the experts will no doubt have shedloads of reasons why not, so I have my battle bowler on.

Perhaps he could fly with an ex 22 Sqn colleague, who happens to be a HEMS crew member, co-pilot and SIA licenced security officer? :cool:

I'm sure a solution will be found.

Iain Duncan-Smith is determined to find a job for everyone who is unemployed. He is particularly keen on finding jobs for young people from families where nobody has ever had a real job.

Jim, if Pprune had a like button I would have pressed it with gusto - made me giggle.

BBC News - MoD defends decision to put down 'William' guard dogs

Perhaps if this AA job goes ahead, he can get some Norwich Terriers, as a replacement. Apparently they are 'bred to hunt small vermin or rodents' which would sort out any paparazzi that may be around :ok:

HRH stating an ambition to fly AA helis has already raised the profile and shows him as a future monarch with a real conscience and a sense of duty (IMHO).
However, there are a raft of practical issues with him flying an Air Ambulance in this country. All of Bond's current Air Amb operations are single pilot and, at this stage, he doesn't really have the hours, let alone command hours that would put a 'normal' pilot in the frame for a job. I accept that he clearly isn't a normal pilot but I'd question the likelihood of BAS making an exception, particularly such a high-profile one.
Someone earlier made a comment regarding the Prince's close protection; there is a spare seat in an Ec135 but this may be needed for a doctor or parent in the case of carrying a young child.
So does one of his CP guards get paramedic training as a solution? The problem there is that they will be required to attend the patient, supporting the other paramedic/doctor and that may require them to leave HRH unattended.
Also, every Air Ambulance landing anywhere in East Anglia is likely to find itself swarmed with onlookers every time it lands in the hope that they will get to meet (and probably take a 'selfie' with) the heir to the throne. Which, as those of you who have flown Air Amb will know, can be a Royal Pain in the Arse (no pun intended).
So whilst I admire his sentiment and desire and applaud the publicity that it has generated, I believe that it's simply not practical. And if it did, I DO pity the Bond Ops department that would have to try and work out a shift roster for him with the necessary flexibility to allow his Royal duties to take place. Yowch!
Nice idea though, eh?
Whoever said he take a post back in the soon-to-be privatised SAR system has probably made the most plausible suggestion.

Well said Bill :D
And then theres's the insurance problem, which i bet would triple any policy requirements with someone from the royal family working for a commercial HEMS operation.
The SAR route looks a good option, as he's already trained for it.

Perhaps Police might be more appropriate. A lot less landing out, but still good public service. Occasional Casevacs and a secure base to operate from?

Daily Mail today seems to think it's "Nailed on" that William will be flying for BAS in East Anglia.

In that case I still think his LHS 'co' should be a combined QHI, Ex 22 Sqn RAFSAR, Ex-HEMS pilot, current HEMS crewmember and NVG tech crewman...and licenced security officer! :)

I could tick a few of those boxes, if the pay was right............:ok:

What's the currency/exams situation for ex-mil? Are there still exemptions? (Like wot I got back in 1979...... OMG)

One of my friends in the PSNI is currently rated as Authorised Firearms Officer/ Medic, this cleares him to use defib , oygen and entonox with very advanced first aid/ medical trauma training, his carry bag is bergan sized. I would imagine most royal CP officers also have this training so if needed to be carried would be a lot of use at any incident. Good on William.

I guess I may be the only person but I think it's against natural justice that he can walk straight into this role, when it would appear that his experience would not be considered enough if he was a nobody.

****News Flash****

He's going to be the King of England. He's had preferential treatment all his life.

What's the difference now???